To achieve success and work-life balance, our habits are key. Thus, developing positive and healthy habits should be one of our main goals. Many of us consider that the solution is to think big and adopt very complex and challenging habits. However, the answer to successfully improving our lives is to start by establishing small but realistic habits.

If you set a goal that seems too big and look unachievable, the chances of demotivation are higher. For instance, if you have just started exercising, it would be better to establish the habit of doing it for 30 minutes, instead of 2 hours. As small as they are, implementing habits is already a big challenge. So, how can we get started?

First, start by identifying the bad habits you want to change. Then, define and adopt a positive one related to it, easy to introduce into your routine, and realistic. Have a positive attitude towards these new habits. Make sure you keep track of your improvements/achievements and stay organised. That way you will be motivated to continue. Also, it may be important to share your list of new habits with others. This way, they can make constructive criticism, support and encourage you to pursue them.

When considering what habits you should adopt to achieve success, remember that what positively affects your personal life improves your professional life as well. For example, making healthier lifestyle choices, such as eating healthier foods, reducing sugar and salt, having better sleep habits, etc., will make you feel better physically, but also psychologically. And it can really help at work.

However, there are specific habits that you can adopt in the workplace that help in strengthening your work performance. For example, practising and retraining soft skills is becoming increasingly crucial. This improves your daily work, teamwork skills, communication, relationship with the workforce, among other things. In addition, you can adopt the habit of reading the news and studying the sector in which you work, as it is a way to improve your knowledge and expertise.

Another habit that is crucial is to develop your network. So, go to networking events, take time to connect/socialise and plan days to do so.

A very important habit related to our professional and personal life is to set aside time to be alone and disconnect. We are constantly online, available to everyone, checking for the latest news and notifications. Time away is more than crucial to help you rest and recharge.

All things considered, there are infinite habits that you can adopt to set you up for success. Nevertheless, there is no person better than yourself to determine what works best. Thus, start doing it, sooner rather than later.

References:

1. To Achieve Big Goals, Start with Small Habits, January 2020, Harvard Business Review
2. 13 Positive Habits That Can Boost Your Success, August 2019, SUCCESS